Alex Lowes showed more promising signs of speed at the PATA Riviera di Rimini Round but once again was left highly frustrated by close of play on Sunday.

After finishing 12th in Race 1 from seventh on the grid, early Race 2 problems saw the former British Superbike Champion crawling at the back of the field before retiring into the pit lane just eight laps in.

“Misano was a really difficult track for the whole team last year and this year wasn’t any different,” the Englishman began. “For the second race we made a change that should have helped us move forward but the clutch dragged off the line and overheated, so I stopped in the end.

“I really feel I’m riding well and the team is doing everything it can to be competitive. Laguna should be better; I love the track, so I’ll arrive there with a positive attitude and we’ll give it 100%.”

Over the Misano weekend, Lowes was joined by a selection of guests in the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki garage. They included brother Sam - former World Supersport Champion and current Moto2 rider - plus Freddie Sheene, son of the late Barry who claimed 500cc Grand Prix world titles in 1976 and 1977.